Switching mechanism



Aug. l5, 1933. H. A. DOUGLAS SWITCHING MECHANISM Filed Feb. 6. 1932 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Aug. 15, 1933. H. A. DOUGLAS SWITCHING MECHANISM Filed Feb. 6, 1952 2 Sheets-Sheet, 2

Patented Aug. 15, 1933 narran strates ir'ralsrv OFFICE 1,922,236 l SWITCHING MECHANISM Harry A. Douglas, Bronson, Application February 6, 1932. Serial No. 591,261

` s claims. (o1. 20o-s) This invention relates to switching mechanism more particularly for automotive vehicles and electrical circuits associated therewith. l

The invention is of particular'utility in connection with switching mechanism whichv is mounted upon the instrument panel of the vehicle. l l Among other. objects, the invention provides a simple and emcient horn connection associated with the type of switching mechanism disclosed.

Another object of the invention is to provide actuating means for the movable contacts of the mechanism, which means is desirably integral with the operating levertherefon The invention will be more `fully explained by reference to the illustrative construction shown in the accompanying drawings in Which- .Figure l is a front View of a portion of -an instrument panel with the invention` applied thereto;

Figure 2 is a side elevation of the structure of Figure 1, the panel being shown in section;

Figure 3 is a section, somewhat enlarged, taken onfthe line 3 3 of Figure 6 ;V f

Figure 4 is a perspective View of parts of th structure of the foregoing gures shown in sep-- arated relation;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the preferred form of integral actuating means and operating lever; l l

Figure 6 is a section taken on the line 6--6 of Figure 3, but showing the contact carrier in end elevation; and

Figure 'l is an enlarged section taken on the line 7--7 of Figure 6 and showing diagrammatically illustrative circuits associated therewith.

The switching mechanism illustrated is generally enclosed in the conventional cylindrical casing 1 which is appropriately secured to a supporting bracket 2 whichl may be of oval configuration and be received in a corresponding aperture in the instrument panel 3. Integral ears'd oiset Vfrom the bracket may conveniently register with bosses 5 on the rear face of the panel and screws 6 may be passed through holes 'l in the ears 4 and be threadedly received in the bosses 5 to support the bracket 2 and casing l upon the instrument panel. The bracket 2 is desirably provided with a legend plate 8 facing for'- wardly of the Vinstrument panel and carrying appropriate legends indicating the respective operative positions of the switching mechanism as indicated in Figure 1. l

The switch'casing 1 is desirably `formed of two mating cup-shaped sections 9 and 10, these 'sections having clamped between them a semi-cylindrical insulating wall member 11 whichV forms a portion of the wall of the casing 1. The member 11 may be secured by having` edgesof the, sections 9 and 10 received in grooves in the vedges of the member 1,1 as best shown at 12, l2 .(Figure 3). The sections 9 and 10 may be themselves clamped together by having laterally disposed matingV anges 13 and segmental ears 14 on one of the, flanges 13 crimped over the other flange 13.

The forward section of the casing 1, in this instance the section 10,'is provided with la central aperture which registers with similar apertures in the bracket 2 and plate 8 in which apertures, as at 15, is journalled the hub 16 of an operating lever 17 for the switching mechanism. The lever 17 is directed radially of the hub 16 and is accessible upon the outer or forwardface of the instrument panel for hand operation. Upon its inner end the hub 16 has the integral segmental laterally directed ilanges 18 and 19 which limit the movement of the hub 16 forwardly of the casing 1 and provide a bearing for the hub on the inner Wall of theV casing. Extended portions on each of the flanges 18 and 19 provide ngers 20 and 21 which, byengaging a stop 22y formed byl being struck inwardly from the front wall of the casing 1, limit the rotativelmovement ofthe hub 16. The hub 16 at its inner end also has other axially extending ngers 23 which are desirably formed integrally with the hub and diametrically disposed on the hub betweenthe ilanges 18 and 19. The hub 16 and fingers 23 constitute an actuator for a rotatable contact' carrier carried within the casing 1.. In accordance withmyinvention the operating lever 17, hub 16, flanges 18 and 19, lingers 21 and 22 andv-iingers 23 are formed integrally and desirably of a pressed metal. The integral operating leverand actuator thus formed may be assembled withthe casing 1 and bracket 2 by having the handle 17 passed through the apertures 15 from the rear of the casing section v10 and then manipulated into position with the flanges 18 vand 19 bearing against the inner surface of the front wall of the casing section 10.` .Y Y

As here shown, the contact carrier 24 formedof a generally oblong block of insulating material is provided upon one side with an .enlarged -hub portion 25 which has the diametrically-disposed slots 26 snugly receiving the iingers 23 of the hub 16. One each of these fingers and slots isV desirably larger than the other so that the carL rier 24' can be assembledin but one rotative posi# tion with respect to the actuator provided by the Y shown'each'ofthe contacts 29, 30 and 31-cornhub 16 and fingers 23. Upon its side opposite the hub portion the carrier 24 is provided with another hub portion 240. which has a reduced continuation 27 `journaled in'the centrally disposed iianged aperture 28 at the rear of the casing 1. So constructed and arranged the contact carrier 24 may be rotated'within the casing 1 by rotation of the operating lever 17 and the carrier 24 is disposed in a plane extending along the axis or" the hub 16 and passing through said axis.

The contact carrier 24 is shown bored inthe direction of its greatest width to receive a metallic contact memberto be spring pressedv radially of the axis of rotation ofthe carrier. In the illustrative construction,` the carrier is provided with a suflicient number of suchbores toreceive three metallic contact members 29,130 and 31 (Figure 3) arranged parallel in aplane extending along the axis of the hub 16 and Ipassing through said axis, said contact members extending in a 'direction which'is perpendicular'tothe aXis'and upon both sides of the axis.` Ashere prises two telesooping tubese'ctions closed at their outer'ends and together enclosinga coil spring 32`vwhich pressesthe tube sections apart. -One of these tube sections which is received bythe other'section-is desirably provided at ,its inner end with spring ngers 33 which may be sprung outwardlyslightly to be compressed by the other tube section and thus by friction to maintain rthe tube sections in assembly. Undertheaction'of thespring 32 the tube sections are pressed radially apart `and each end of the contacts`29, 39 and 31 engage complementary contacts circumferentially disposed Within the casing'i, the movable contacts 29, and -31 providing ycurrent conducting bridges between the circuniierentiallyv disposed `complemental contacts. One of these vcomplementary contacts is desirably produced yfrom an oblong piece of metal which is formed into the somewhat semi-circular plate 34 securedlat each end to the insulating wall member 11 (Fig. ure 6) `and otherwise spacedirom the 'l metallic portions ofthe casing 1. `Ille-plate34 is bent upon itself to produce a plurality of parallel grooves 35. 36, 37,38, 39 and `46-disposedlongitudinally of the anis of the hub 16. These grooves are'desirably V-shape fand receive with a snap` block 42 may be similarly shaped,-thus-'preventing outward movement of the block from the groove, and lateral movement 'of the block may rbe prevented by aboss 44 which enters acorresponding aperture in the bottom of the groove 39. The block 42 is desirably longer axially "of the-casing 1 than'the yplate 34 is wide iso vasto guard against the plate 34 contacting 'withlthe metallic-walls of thecasing l. The plate 34 is secured tothe wallmember 11 by having thereduced portions 45 of metallic terminall members`46rand 47 passing through the Wall member 11, pass also through the plate 34 and be spun 'thereoveras at 48. Thus the plate 34 is mechanically and electrically connected with 'each of the terminals 46 and 47. `An insulated wire 49y (Figure '7)- 'electrically connects the terminal 46 with i one side of the grounded battery 5G, thus also I electrically connecting the plate 34 with the battery.

Complementary contacts upon the opposite side movable contact 30. The plate 34 and the con-` tacts 51 to 56 inclusive are disposed in a plane which is perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the movable contacts 29, 30 and 31 and which passesthrough the contact 30. The movable con- .tacti ythuslforrns a current conducting bridge between theplate 34 and the stationary contacts 51,'53j54, 55 and 56. The terminal 52, for lreasons presently pointed out, is not a contact. The movable contacts 29, 30 and 31 desirably have somewhat deine-shaped ends 59 which slide smoothly over the wall member 11. v Y Y The movable contact 29' simil-arlyl forms acurrent conducting bridge between Athe plate f34 and a contact which may bean arcuate metallic plate embedded` inthe lwall member 11 yto I be flush with the wall and extending abreastof and upon onewsideofthe terminal members`51 to 56 inclusive. AThe `plate-:60 is laterally textended as at61 and 'through a perforation l62 in-said extensionthereduced portion 57101. the terminalmember 52 passes, `the porti'onlS-"of theterminal 52 .being clinchedifover the :extension 61, thus electricallyconnecting-therplate-60 with thefterminal 52. The plate 60imay bemechanically securedto the wall member 211 by suitably` directed Y end portionsv which vvpa throughithe-Wall member andare clinched upon the outer--side-thereo The movable contact 31 provides a 'current conductinglbridge between the plate 34 'and another complementary: contact :here represented byA the arcuate plate'64 which is embedded inl the wall member 11 to be'flushwith the inner surface thereof similarly'to the 'platef'60. The `plate164 hasva lateral-extensionI-and1an aperture 66` therethrough by which the plate -'641is=electri cally connected-with the terminal 53, Athe reduced portion '57 rof the terminalpassingflthroughthe aperture 66 and being clinched over the portion 65. The plate 64-a`lso hasfa Vsuitably'directed portion '67 Whichpassesthrough lthe :wall member 11r similarly to the portions-=63 of-thef-plate 6). The-extensionsS'offthe plate 60 andthe extension' of 'thefz-platelfi areclinehed upon the outer surfaceof the wall member 11 as-bythe portions 68. 'The coil springs 32 enclosed within the movable contacts 29, 30.v and 31 maintain the tube sections-'off these contacts pressedagziart and into engagement with the foregoingv complementary contacts. l

When the contactl carrier 24 isin theiposition shown lin Fig'uref," the V-shape'dends :4l ofi-the movable contacts 29, 30 and 3l rare.seatedfinthe V-shaped` groove `43 of "the :insulating'block 42 which occupies 'the rgroove=-39 in theiplatel 34.

Consequently, Lthermovable contacts :29,30fand plate 34 a 4circuit is` established -through the grounded battery 50`,\conductor 49, terminal 46, plate 34, movable contact 30,\terminal 51, which is` diametrically opposite the groove 40, insulated wire 69a and throughv the grounded vfilaments of the parking lamps 69. At the same time a cir-,

cuit is established through the grounded battery 50, plate 34, movable contact 29,'arcuateplate 60, terminal 52, insulatedwire '70 and through the grounded rear lamp '71.' Also a circuit is established by means of the wire '70 through a grounded instrument lamp 71a. This constitutes one position of the switch kfor night use when the vehicle is not in motion.

When the carrier 24 is rotated to have the V- shaped ends of the movable contacts seated in the groove 38 of the plate 34 a circuit is established through the grounded battery 50, plate 34, movable contact 30, terminal 53, insulated wire '72, to the ignition system of the vehicle here symbolically indicated at '73. In this position of the carrier 24 the contact 29 engages an insulating insert '74 disposed in a depressedportion '75 of the plate 60 and thus there is no current passing to the rear lamp '71 and instrument lamp 71a. This constitutes the position of the switch suitable for day time driving,l

When the contact carrier 24 is rotated to haveA the V-shaped ends of the contacts 29, 30 and 31 seated in the V-shaped groove 3'7 of the plate 34 a circuit is established through the grounded battery 50, plate 34, movable contact 30, terminal 54, insulated wire '76 and through the grounded filaments '7'7 of the driving lamps '78. The filaments '77 may constitute the bright driving lights of the lamps 78 as by being located in the focus of the driving lamps. At the same time another circuit is established through the grounded battery 50, plate 34, movable contact 29, plate 60, terminal 52, insulated Wire '70 and through the grounded rear lamp 71 and grounded instrument lamp 71a. Also still another circuit is established through the plate 34, movable contact 31, plate 64, terminal 53, `wire '72 and through the ignition system '73. Thus this constitutes the position of th switch for normal night driving.

When the carrier 24 is rotated to have the V-shaped terminals of the movable contacts seated in the groove 36 of the plate 34 a circuit is established through the grounded battery 50, plate 34, movable contact 30, terminal 55, insulated wire '79 and through the grounded filaments 80 of the driving lamps '78. The laments 80 may constitute the intermediate driving lights of the lamps '78 as by being located above the focus of the driving lamps. At the same time a circuit is established through the plate 34, movable contact 29, plate 60, terminal `52, wire '70 and through the rear lamp '71. and instrument lamp 71a. Also still another circuit is established through the plate 34, movable contact 31, plate 64, wire '72 and through the ignition system 73 of the vehicle. This constitutes the position 'of the switch for night driving when the vehicle is passing another car, for example.

When the carrier is further rotated to have the V-shaped terminals of the movable contacts seated in the groove 35 of the plate 34 a circuit is establishedvthrough the grounded battery` 50, plate 34, movable contact 30, terminal 56, insulated wire 81 through the grounded reading lamp 32. At the same time a circuit is established through the plate 34, movable contact 29, plate 60 and wire '70 through the rear lamp 7l and instrument lamp 71a. Also as will now be clearly understood still `another circuit is. established Y through the movable contact 31, plate 64, terminal 53, wire '72' and throughthe ignition systemr 73 of the vehicle. This constitutes a selective position of the switch inwhich the parking and driving lights are extinguished.

An insulated wire 83 connects the terminal 4'7 with electromagnetic horn 483a and another wire 84 leads from the horn to a contact button 85 which may be located for example on the steering column of the vehicle (not shown). By means of a movable contact 86, the horn may be grounded, upon which a circuit is established through the grounded .battery 50, wire 49, terminal `46, plate 34, terminal 4'7, Wire l83 and through the horn 83a to energize the latter. may be energized in any position of the switching mechanism.

Means here shown for eiiecting the snap action of the switch is broadly claimed in my copending application, Ser. No. 584,444, filed January 2,

Obviously, the invention is not limited to the specinc details of construction herein described.

contacts carried by said carrier. arranged in av plane extending along the axis of rotation of the carrier and passing through said axis perpendicularly, said contacts extending diametrically on opposite sides of said axis, and complementary contacts circumferentially *arranged about said axis and on each side.v thereof to be engaged by opposite ends of said contacts, one of said complementary contacts being in the form of an arcu- Thus the horn ate plate simultaneously engaged byall of said l contacts' carried by the contact carrier, said arcuate plate constituting a circuit continuingV member for an electromagnetic horn.

2. The structure of claim 1 wherein the arcuate plate is connected with the battery and has an insulating 'insert simultaneously engageable by all of the contacts carried by the contact carrier to discontinue the'circuit through said contacts.

3. The structure of claim 1 wherein one of the contacts carried by the contact carrier establishes a circuit through lighting means for the vehicle and another of said contacts -simultaneously establishes a circuit through the ignition means.

4. The structure of claim 1 wherein the arcuate plate carries a plurality of V-shaped channels extending longitudinally of the axis of rotation of the Contact carrier andthe ends ofthe contacts carried by the contact carrier are V-shaped to seat in said grooves with a snap action.

5. In a switching mechanism, Vthe combination of-a` casing having av circular: central aperture, a contact carrier rotatable in said casing, an actuator having a hub portion keyed to said Icarrier and an integral portion extending through the opening in said casing providing an operating lever for the actuator, and resilient means for eiecting rotation of the carrier and actuator by a snap action.

6. The structure of claim 5 wherein the hub has lateral continuations providing iianges within the casing for limiting movement of the actuatol outwardly 0f the aperture, and wherein 150 Vthe Vcontinuations are laterally extendedto `pro- Y lating contact carrier; spring pressed contacts l vide lingers forengaging a stop'on the interior o1" the casing to limit the rotation of the actuator. Y '7. In a switching mechanism, the combina-.- tion .with a metallic casing; of a rotatableinsucontact carrier; springpressed contacts vcarried by said carrier arranged: in va plane extending alongythe axis of rotation of the carrier and passingthrough said axis, said contacts being spring pressed radially of the, axis; insulated -complementaryvcontacts carried by the casing, said complementary contacts being in the form of arcuate plates concentric with said axis; an insulating insert in one of said plates engageable with one of theurstfmentioned contacts; a central laperture nfthecasing; a metallic actuator rotatable in saidr'apertureand in driving engagement Withthe carrier; a stop on-the Wall ofthe casing; a finger on the actuator engageable With the stop to limit rotation-of the parts; and resilient means for effecting'a snap' action of the carrier. Y

- HARRY A. DOUGLAS. 

